Leadville Trail 100 Run

Starting at 10,152 feet on Harrison Avenue in historic Leadville, this out-and-back ultramarathon covers 100 miles with roughly 15,600 feet of total elevation gain across the Sawatch Range. You begin on packed dirt roads and double-track rolling toward Turquoise Lake before navigating forest singletrack and ascending Sugarloaf Pass. After passing the Outward Bound staging area and skirting the base of Mount Elbert, you descend to the low point of the route at Twin Lakes, sitting near 9,200 feet, which requires an open water crossing.

The defining obstacle is Hope Pass, an alpine crossing topping out at 12,600 feet. You must climb its steep, switchbacking pitch twice—first as you head south to the turnaround in the historic ghost town of Winfield, and once again on your journey back toward Leadville. The terrain shifts from runnable dirt roads to technical alpine scree and exposed ridgelines above treeline.

Running at an average altitude well above 10,000 feet imposes relentless cardiovascular strain and severely impacts caloric absorption. High-altitude mountain weather presents frequent hazards, with midday heat, cold nights dropping toward freezing, and unpredictable storms carrying lightning, strong winds, and hail over exposed summits.

Leadville is situated in central Colorado along US-24. Denver International Airport (DEN) is the most common arrival hub, located roughly 125 miles east via Interstate 70 and Highway 91 or US-24. Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is closer, approximately 65 miles northwest, though flight options are more limited. Due to the high altitude, plan to arrive at least several days to two weeks before the event to acclimatize, or opt for a quick arrival right before race day to minimize the acute onset of altitude sickness.

Lodging in Leadville itself is constrained and fills quickly, with options centered on local inns, historical motels, and short-term rentals. Many participants choose to stay in neighboring Summit County hubs like Frisco, Copper Mountain, or Silverthorne, as well as Buena Vista to the south. Camping is available throughout the San Isabel National Forest and around Turquoise Lake, though spots must be booked well in advance.

Expect cold mornings in the 30s or low 40s Fahrenheit, with daytime highs reaching the upper 60s or low 70s. Parking is prohibited at the start and finish line on Harrison Avenue; you will need to park at designated remote lots, such as the Lake County High School complex, and use official shuttles or walk into town. Packet pickup and mandatory athlete briefings are held pre-race on East 6th Street.